U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced a bipartisan resolution with 16 senators that supports the commitment of the Latino community to engage in conservation efforts. The resolution recognizes the contributions of the Latino community to conservation and wildlife protection and urges increased access to public lands for all Americans.

“In Colorado, our Latino community has a strong connection to our natural landscapes,” Bennet said. “This bipartisan resolution acknowledges the longstanding commitment Latinos have to conservation efforts and supports increased opportunities for their engagement and inclusion in environmental protection. We must ensure all communities have the access and opportunity to enjoy our public lands and waters.”

“I’m grateful for the Latino community’s work to strengthen conservation efforts in Nevada so that generations to come can continue to enjoy our great outdoors,” Heller said. “Growing up in Nevada, I know that being a good steward of our environment is part of the Western way of life. Camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor recreation are activities my family and I have enjoyed doing together over the years. I’m proud to partner with Senator Bennet to recognize the significant role the Latino community plays in preserving our environment and commend their continued work.”

The resolution has the support of the Latino Conservation Alliance, which includes the Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF), GreenLatinos, Latino Outdoors, Hispanic Federation, and Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), as well as Colorado organizations, such as City Wild, Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK), and Escuela Tlatelolco.

“Latinos hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to protect our environment for future generations, and their engagement is critical to the stewardship and preservation of our nation’s public lands,” President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation Maite Arce said. “We appreciate Sen. Bennet and Sen. Heller and the numerous co-sponsors who support inclusion and recognize the importance of engaging Latinos in these endeavors.”

In addition to Bennet and Heller, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), Tom Carper (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

An identical companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL-26).

Click HERE for a letter of support from community organizations.

Click HERE for the text of the resolution.